Do you feel like you are never heard? Do you have feedback, comments and suggestions for our masjid? Do you have an experience you would like to share? A problem you faced?
This is your chance to speak. Click below to add your comments.
Do you feel like you are never heard? Do you have feedback, comments and suggestions for our masjid? Do you have an experience you would like to share? A problem you faced?
This is your chance to speak. Click below to add your comments.
Why was fundraising done on 27,28 and 29th night of Ramadan? It seems like khatum was moved to 28th night to facilitate extra fundraising opportunity.
And where did funeral services all of a sudden come from? Seems like they realized the can’t raise 100s of thousands dollars again for the same project (washroom + wadu area) as last year…so they suddenly spun up a new “urgent” project.
Some good things that happened on khatum probably due to changeMDI pressure…
1. They acknowledged the hardworking caretakers by name
2. Khalid Usman did not take mic as advertised and as they had previously communicated he would. He is a very old school personality that does not resonate with new generation, so masjid should not continuously put him on high pedestal.
I asked someone from the admin about why the Khatam was on the 28th night, and not the 27th or 29th (like it is EVERY year). They replied that it was due to scheduling; Dr. Munir-El-Kassam was only available on the 28th night to lead the fundraising. 🤷🏽♂️
On another note, I’m wondering if the $250k needed for bathroom/wudu area renos will include building NEW bathrooms. $250k just to renovate is very high. There is a need for more bathrooms. Especially near the Jummah hall and by the gym halls. It’s tough to have to walk 5 min all the way to the back for the bathrooms and wudu.
Why are they now collecting funds for funeral service especially when they are running a deficit and still have other outstanding projects ?
Did they consult with the community?
Funeral services is not an essential at the moment when we have ism Funeral service down the road .
Again mismanagement of community funds .
Please people wake up and do something.
I love all the people who work there to support our kids and community – however they lack any administrative structure.
No one answers the phones
No one answers emails
Never get a response from “Ask Imam”
Suggest ideas to help community and no one is interested
No safety for Sunday school – as no one in the front office. Anyone can come and go as they please
No one to ask questions or guide
No one to turn to for help if anyone ever needed it.
We always talk in our social circles why masjid’s aren’t supported as much by community as church’s and synagogues are – it’s because we don’t see it managed well.
The teachers who work on Sun are very kind.
The people who helped set up and take down Iftar every day – so grateful to them.
Hire an admin
Have staffed hours
Respond to emails
Be responsible and accountable
I think we need to see full transparency from the administration of the mosque. We should see receipts of every purchase the mosque makes, the numbers for all types of donations, the salary of every “paid volunteer” including the president and imams, and the gym/community center contributions. There is no reason for any of this information to be hidden. Does it not seem that management is hiding something when they refuse insight into its workings? There is no justifiable reason for that to be a secret.
Why did the mosque purchase some sort of laser cutter to make decorations? Who approved this purchase and which funds did it come from? Who put individual members of the community in charge of such large mosque functions? There must be some sort of accountability! How can someone be in charge of finances if they have nothing to show for it? How do we let so much nepotism continue in our mosque management? If we can be assured our representatives have our best interests at heart, rather than their own, maybe the mosque will be a more inviting location for the youth and the rest of the community members.
I heard too many negative things about Faheem and I fear that he is severely damaging the reputation of the mosque. I personally observed him acting rude towards his own voluntary workers. And someone who knows more than me about the shenanigans with the soccer club can please explain his role in that? How did he get hired?
Darul Iman needs structure and leadership. Currently, the band in charge of running the place is like a university student club, full of people with big ideas and no organization or management. They run around each trying to do things their own way, opaque to the community. Look at how far we’ve come! A small group is okay for a small building like we used to have. But a big facility that serves so many people, in so many different areas of community, needs a good team working behind it to keep it going smoothly.
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Aslam Alikom,
I have raised my concerns about the upcoming event with Mishary Al-Afasy. I listed his support to the killing of thousands of muslims and the questionable nature of the hosting organization. You can see the details here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-mishary-al-afasy-from-coming-to-markham-enjoining-what-is-good-and-forbidding-evil
I love the masjid and the community. I want the best for my family, so if I made any inaccurate points I ask anyone reading this comment to correct me because Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.
We ask you all to correct and give us guidance if any of the points made are not accurate and we ask allah to grant us sincerity and guide all of us to the truth.
Salam – “Immediate dissolution of the directorship shall be followed by a prohibition on previous directors running for elections.” Why is this necessary?
This seems like a personal vendetta? If there is a fair election process, then community can have their say and choose. There may be previous directors that can best serve interest of community and fairly earn their spot through elections. I know personally of directors that are sincere, hard working, and have volunteered and sacrificed immensely for the sake of Allah and the community, while trying their part to embark positive change. If they are sincere then community can use votes to bring them back, rather than discounting their efforts and sincerity by forcing them out.
I don’t want to name any current directors without their permission, but of course previously there was Br. Nasir – May Allah elevate his ranks. When I moved to the area a few years ago, my first time in masjid, he took it upon himself to welcome a new face and introduce himself as a director and let me know to come to him if I needed anything. I was so touched by his actions, and as I got to know him for a short while before his death I was amazed at his dedication, hard work and kindness. I helped him organize very forward thinking programs for youth. I had only been in area a few months before his death/covid – and I remember asking one of the youths – “why don’t we see youth involved in masjid, is it because of covid as the short time I was here before covid I did see youth engaged?”. His response subhanAllah was – “It’s not post-covid that caused youth to not be involved, its actually post-Nasir uncle.” He always seemed that engage youth and showed them respect.
My point is that the criticism and general negativity and blame of all the management current and past is not fair to those that have served the community, and although I only knew Br. Nasir a short time I think it’s unfair to include him in that general negativity. The criticism and trying to investigate anything that paints management in negative light will be counterproductive as it distracts from the change needed – the end of nepotism and fair governance/election process.
Is there not a path forward without the critical comments and general attacks on individuals that have served the House of Allah and made prayers accessible to community, what will it take to bring the change of elections/governance without engaging in the back and forth that will divide community and cause issues for prolonged periods of time? I pray Allah rewards all those that have served in keeping the door’s to His open for salah, and I pray He forgives their shortcomings and actions that may have caused community members to turn away from salah and the masjid.
You’re so right!! Brother Nasir was one of the most kindest, hardest working brother I’ve ever met. He always greeted me and remembered my kids names by heart. I remember him always involved and helping organize events since way back during the different mussallas we had (including namaz at Markham Museum).
Things definitely changed after Brother Nasir’s passing. May Allah grant Br. Nasir jannat-al-Firdos; and may Allah grant successful guidance to the admins of MDI. 🤲🏽
Hello Ameer,
Just wanted to email you to thank you for finally stepping up and speaking the truth. They can say whatever they want.. that this is a fitnah or what not but I assure I have been with this mosque since it started in Markham Museum and you really voiced my thoughts and concerns regarding this issue. Yes they work hard, yes they put in effort but it’s all in the wrong direction. It doesn’t seem like they have a clear goal in mind and what they want the future of the mosque to look like.
They claim that they do things for the community but when the “community” wants to use the gym, they’ll kick you out if you don’t pay…so much for community. The president Najmul Siddiqui is doing a terrible job. And the management poor decision helped the mayor Frank Scrapitti trick them into getting this location instead of building one from the ground up on Williamson and 16th Avenue, I was even there and stepped foot on the land. Thanks for addressing everything and please continue, don’t stop. Change will happen, it’s a matter of time. Don’t give up.
Thanks for everything,
Thank you brother for your message, I can feel the pain in your words. We wanted to provide a platform for the community to raise their voices which have been suppressed for so long.
We agree with everything you said, except for one thing. I don’t think the Mayor tricked the management. A deal was made. What the details of that deal were, and who benefitted, is known only to a few , and will soon come to light InshaAllah. The people who were tricked were the members of the community at large who worked hard and sacrificed to buy that land on 16th for a masjid.
Meantime here’s a fun fact you may not have known. Frank is a former employee of Najmul Siddiqui, and was one of the directors of his company Tri-Vision. They’re buddies. Another former employee and director? Khalid Usman, former Councillor, City of Markham.
You can see it on Page 18 and 19 of this document https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0705/07054996.pdf
Thank you for the support brother, I am from the same era when we used pray in Markham Museum, none of these guys were around except Mahmood uncle. Never seen any election Here . Time to change and get the community involved to have a successful community and better masjid Inshallah
It would be nice if the sports complex was available to the community since every reasonable time is booked and without having to pay $15 to drop.
Any member of your nonprofit can ask for a copy of your financial statements and your auditor’s report, if an audit was done. Members can ask for this at any time and must be provided access during regular business hours. Do we have to give members our financial statements and auditor’s report? Yes.
Former MDI Employee here.
I think the management underestimates the missed opportunity of this place. There is so much not being done by the management staff that it is truly appalling. While the management staff benefits from their tight knit community of 30 or so brothers, the rest of the hundred of attendees feel a spiritual lack from the masjid. Astagfirullah.
As a former masjid employee in the sports complex, I was the person at the masjid the most for 6 months, and that is truly a problem. The people at the masjid the most should be the Imaams and the administrative staff at the very least. Not the person running the sports section. The lack of constant supervision, and lack of commitment to community growth is troubling. In the spirit of keeping their masjid club and social life alive, thousands of community members have suffered a lack of spiritual growth and involvement in this gigantic facility. Rather, we could see an expansion of various committees from community members that possess a diverse range of skills. A discussion from new perspectives would result in growth. New programs to keep the youth involved.
After all, who is going to take over the management staff when their time comes? They have completely pushed away the youth and now no one from the younger generation may remain to inherit this special place. Lets change that.
-Taha Shaikh
Well put, Taha! It’s unfortunate to see that rather than promote youth involvement from within the community they’ve become too focused on profiting from these facilities they so openly (and falsely) have advertised to be “for the community”. It seems quite plain and simple that the management does not really care whether or not the youth (or anyone outside their little group for that matter) are involved. They simply just want to enjoy their little club they’ve established with the little power of authority they have outside their regular lives.
The process asking for the basic information every charity should provide began months ago. This organization is being run by one individual as the king/dictator. Several members of the council do not live in Markham. Mr Siddiqui would not allow the group to meet with anyone other than himself. He will not share financials, which is a must for a charity, he appoints his chosen people to be directors, the charity is run more like an owned business with various levels of directors, all appointed. The membership should incorporate anyone who wishes to join, not the case. In our last meeting with Mr. Siddiqui he stated that they are lifetime directors and the only way you will have change is if you get a petition and have at least 500 people sign it.
Very well said @ anonymous.
The bathrooms are so unclean, especially the ones near the gym are so dirty that they are unusable. Gym users use them freely, urinating while standing, and with no regard for cleanliness.
Cleanliness is half our deen, and this is the level of maintenance and cleanliness of the bathrooms at the masjid.
The wudu area is absolutely disgusting. I don’t know if I’m cleaner or dirtier after doing wudu there. The floor is unclean and the drain area is nasty. And smelly. The water gets so hot its impossible to do wudu properly while trying to avoid getting burnt.
I totally agree with, the management raised the funds last year for the washrooms, but nothing was done yet again they want money for the washrooms this year. Where dis the money from last years fundraising went. All we want is transparency , accountability and election. Let the community get involved to move this masjid forward. Having the same management is unfair to the entire community, we have young, smart and successful people in our community Alhamdulilah. Let’s work together as brothers as community to have a better masjid Inshallah.
Jazakallah khair
I will not discount the hard work of existing MDI management and the efforts they have been given to maintain the masjid operations, however at the same time can’t deny all the allegations pointed in this petition. There has to be an accountability and transparency on every matter of the operation. The following areas and related regular updates are extremely important to the community and should be provided:
– monthly financial updates to the public on notice board and on website
– annual audit on financial operations to avoid any potential legal challenges
– Islamic School plan NOW (so important for the community at this time), have been seeing a school name on entrance gate for almost 11 years now but no updates what so ever
– regular disclosures to the community
– efficient management of operations including building and website
– masjid should not operate like a private entity (as it is not)
– provide clear short term and long term plan and how they will be achieved
– suspend the sport complex for non-Muslims (nothing against them), however muslim community’s interests should be placed First, secondly having sports activities while Salah is happening within same premises is not appropriate, on top having non-muslim sisters without proper dressing (its not their fault as this is normal to them) within masjid premises is not appropriate and should be reviewed and addressed immediately
– use building to its full potential to generate revenue (can’t rely solely on donations)
Jazak’Allah Khairan
Totally agree with you my brother
Jazakallah khair
I agree with most of what you said, but your last two points seem to contradict each other.
The sports complex generates revenue to support relevant operations and upkeep. I don’t understand why you would want to discontinue this. In my personal view, the entire building is a community center, and having non-Muslims able to come and play is a no-brainer.
I also don’t understand why you’re saying its inappropriate to have those activities happening at the same time as regular prayers. Those sports activities are happening in completely separate halls, and I have never head of any scholarly opinion that such activities happening under the same roof as regular prayers is somehow inappropriate.
With all due respect, masjid should be a place to support and nurture Muslim community, having a separate hall can’t stop voices coming from the badminton court, you can easily hear while praying in Jummah hall. Generating revenue is important but not at the cost of Muslims community who may have been impacted because this sports facility entertain everyone, please remember sports complex is part of the masjid building and is not a community centre where everyone is allowed. Also how it is acceptable that while prayer is happening and on the other side folks are busy in playing, because it is allowed so you will see a mix crowd of Muslim and Non Muslim, if you disagree please go-ahead and witness yourself, who is there to tell Muslim kids or partricpants to halt playing and go for pray during prayer time (no one), it will be amazing if you can enforce it. The whole point here is to build a place for Muslims community to unite and strengthen and practice faith whether it be through sports complex, Islamic school, library, regular programs etc., I am sure there are smart people who can comeup with better options to generate revenue. Everyone has their own views, if you believe it’s OK then brother it’s your opinion which can’t change other people views. Hope this helps. Jazak’Allah Khairan
Is a full communty cemtre and not a masjid ?
Why is the masjid management contradicting themselves.
Whenever it befits them it’s a masjid otherwise a community center .
Get a life !
The hard work is laughable at this point. See what would happen if you took their chai kettles away.
And this is not about the sports complex. this is about unifying the community with the management. People may not feel they have a voice but they can. Things need to change for the better with the mosallah side of things, not the sports complex.
Jazak’Allah Khairan brother, have you seen Muslim kids playing while prayer is happening, is it acceptable or allowed for Muslims to play and ignore praying? Is there anyone telling Muslims participants to halt playing and pray. Is praying not above anything else? Not sure how can you unify where Muslims are not following what they should be following. Keep the Sport complex but for Muslims with strict guidelines.
Respectfully agree with all the stated points. I would like to add- the sports complex (and its use by muslims and non-muslims alike) is used to generate revenue, so this would be an example of using the facility’s potential to generate funds.
Jazak’Allah Khairan brother, have you seem Muslim kids playing while praying is happening, is it acceptable or allowed for Muslims to play and ignore praying? Is there anyone telling Muslims participants to halt playing and pray. Is praying not above anything else? Leave it up to you to decide.
I respectfully agree with all your points, except – “suspend the sport complex for non-Muslims (nothing against them)”. That can be taken as prejudice comments and if a non-Muslim media catches this sentiment, it will be a laughing material for them and they can spread that as anti-Muslims propaganda etc. I would be very careful making such comments on a public forum.
Having said that, let’s not try to boil the ocean. Instead, focus on top three points, show your credibility and capacity to MDI community and get these changes done!
Threatening current people to kick them out of the office is not helping anyone. You should rather ask for;
1. full transparency to community
2. A proper check-n-balance system by community
3. No nepotism
4. Regular elections
If you can achieve above items, rest of the issues will automatically washout. (InnShaAllah)
Assalaam Alaikum,
Thank you for your well written comment. When you said, “show your credibility,” I’m not sure if you think this was written by a member of the ChangeMDI team.
Just to be clear, the comment you are replying to was posted by a community member, not ChangeMDI team.
The authors of posts/comments by ChangeMDI are AbdulShakoor, AbdulSamad, and ChangeMDI.
Having said that, we agree with all four of your points. Right now, there is:
1.zero transparency, no financials provided, no insights into what decisions are made, how they are made, and who they are made by.
2. No checks and balances whatsoever – the 2-3 top people call all the shots and do whatever they like. Reminder – this is public property, and public funds, not private property and Daddy’s money.
3.People are given preferential treatment.
4. No elections have ever been held. And the closed door “voting” by 15-20 people to just usher in whoever the top people want doesn’t count.
MDI is not a “Community Centre” and should not be operate as such, its a masjid and any activities around it should be aligned for the muslim community. If the desire is to operate like a community centre, then it should be anywhere else but MDI. Anyone can twist words as they would like without understanding the complete context and this is happening here!
Respectfully, this is a moot point that will never have consensus one way or the other. Better to focus on more bigger issues that people have with. Mainly, transparency, how admin/shura members are chosen, financials, budgeting, future costs. And Allah knows best.